External risk intelligence

Apple Operating System Memory Corruption Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2020-3837

A memory corruption flaw in Apple operating systems could allow an application to execute code with kernel privileges, impacting system integrity and confidentiality. This vulnerability has been addressed in software updates.

1Halo Surface Signal

Out-of-bounds Write

Apple Ipados

before 13.3.1before 10.15.3before 6.1.2

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2020-3837

This vulnerability resides within the operating system kernel and requires an application to be running on the device to be exploited. It is not an internet-facing service, network protocol, or remote management interface, making it effectively local and not reachable via common public internet network exposure.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A memory corruption issue has been identified in various Apple operating systems. This flaw could permit an application to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent software updates.

  • Apple operating systems
  • Flaw allows arbitrary code execution
  • Compromised system integrity and confidentiality

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A memory corruption vulnerability was addressed in operating system updates. This vulnerability could allow an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.

  • Exposure condition: Local application access.
  • Attacker starting point: Running application.
  • Trigger and result: Triggering memory corruption, gaining kernel privileges.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability presents a significant risk due to its potential to allow an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Successful exploitation could lead to a complete compromise of affected devices, impacting data confidentiality, integrity, and system availability. The issue is addressed in specific updates for Apple's operating systems.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low.
  • Required access or conditions: Malicious application installed.
  • Business risk or urgency: High.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability could allow an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges on affected Apple devices. The issue has been addressed with improved memory handling. This memory corruption flaw is a high-severity vulnerability impacting multiple Apple operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS.

  • Identify affected assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Fix, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Apple Multiple Products Memory Corruption Vulnerability and which products are affected?

This vulnerability, impacting Apple iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS, is a memory corruption issue. It could allow an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges on affected devices.

What type of weakness is CVE-2020-3837 and how does it manifest?

CVE-2020-3837 is classified as CWE-787, an out-of-bounds write. This means an application can write data beyond its intended memory allocation, corrupting system memory and potentially enabling unauthorized code execution at the highest system privilege level.

How can an attacker exploit this memory corruption vulnerability?

Exploitation requires an attacker to first have an application running on the targeted device. This local application access allows the attacker to trigger the memory corruption, which can then lead to gaining kernel privileges.

What is the relevance of the Halo Surface Signal for CVE-2020-3837?

The Halo Surface Signal assesses this vulnerability as 'Very unlikely' to be exploited remotely due to its local nature. It requires an application to be running on the device, rather than being an internet-facing service.

What practical steps should be taken to address this vulnerability?

To address this, identify all affected Apple assets, reduce exposure or isolate any at-risk devices, and apply the necessary software updates. Verification and continuous monitoring are also crucial operational steps.

References